Magnifique étrier d'échasse, îles Marquises, Polynésie

Ancienne Collection George Ortiz, Genève
Sotheby's Park Bernet, Londres, The George Ortiz Collection of Primitive Works of Art, 29 juin 1978, n° 217

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some old chips and losses to the edges, two short cracks to the base at the rear
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A la permanence de l'image – puissant personnage tiki aux jambes fléchies, dos cambré, mains posées sur l'abdomen, visage caractéristique aux grands yeux ouverts – répond la remarquable sensibilité des modelés et de la gravure : les traits s'épanouissent en courbes tendues et en volutes délicates, tandis que le corps se couvre d'un décor serré de lignes parallèles et de chevrons, très finement gravés à l'outil de pierre.  

Aux formes, aux proportions et à l'ornementation particulièrement abouties s'ajoute la grande rareté de l'iconographie -  le tiki prenant appui sur un visage piédestal. Selon Phelps (1976 : 96), les échasses - utilisées lors d'épreuves sportives rituelles dans le cadre des cérémonies funéraires - étaient dotées d'étriers tapuvae, sculptés de figures anthropomorphes surmontant parfois – comme ici -un visage ou un autre personnage. cf. Sotheby's (Paris, 30 septembre 2002 : n° 41) pour un étrier d'échasse provenant de la collection James T. Hooper, dont le personnage est porté par deux tiki aux bras levés.

Le dos de l'étrier est creusé d'un profond sillon permettant d'épouser la forme de l'échasse. Très ancienne et profonde patine d'usage, brun nuancé, brillante sur les reliefs.

A magnificent stilt-step, Marquesas Islands, Polynesia

Alongside the normal characteristics of its type – the powerful tiki figure with bent legs, arched back, hands resting on the abdomen, and large, wide open eyes – the offered lot is distinguished by the remarkable sensitivity of its modelling. The features open out in taut curves and delicate curls, whilst the body is covered in a dense series of parallel lines and chevrons, very finely carved with stone tools.

In addition to its highly accomplished form, proportion, and ornamentation, the offered lot is iconographically rare, with a tiki figure supported by a pedestal in face form. According to Phelps (1976: 96), stilts, which were used for ritual sporting tests as part of funerary ceremonies, were equipped with tapuvae steps, carved anthropomorphic figures, which as here were occasionally surmounted by a face or another character. cf. Sotheby's (Paris, 30 September 2002, lot 41) for a stilt-step from the James T. Hooper collection in which the figure is supported by two tiki with their arms raised.

The back of the step is hollowed out so as to allow the stilt to be attached. Very old, deep, nuanced brown patina, glossy on the reliefs.